Many of us consider social media as an extremely useful modern invention. We forget, however, that with advantages also come disadvantages. Many of us would rather voice out our concerns in the virtual world than in physical reality. But when we exercise our freedom of speech, we must keep in mind that the One Who has access to our brains and hearts also has access to our social media accounts. Actions considered as sins in physical reality are still sins in virtual reality. Let’s look into some common activities that we engage in on social media, which would be categorized as sins.
- Slandering, abusing, or correcting others
I have witnessed people use abusive language on social media, while they would not even dream of uttering such obscenities in public. Some even try to cover them up by replacing some letters with symbols. Does that change what you are saying? Absolutely not, and when the Prophet (sa) instructed us to either speak good or stay silent, he also directed us to not abuse or slander anybody.
Similarly, constantly correcting people you do not even know is equally wrong. How can disgracing somebody in public be justified? Also, when Allah (swt) talks about hypocrites in Surah Al-Baqarah, He says: “And when it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are but reformers.’” (Al-Baqarah 2:11) While the Prophet (sa) says: “The people whom I hate most and who will be furthest from me on the Day of Judgement are the ones who talk uselessly, those who put down others, and those who show off when they talk.’” (Tirmidhi)
- Showing off – boasting about our achievements
I understand that the urge to share our proud moments is difficult to resist but boasting about them or showing off is not desirable in Islam. Similarly, sharing our pictures on social media might also be categorized as showing off. After all, the pictures that we share are the ones we look best in. Most scholars are of the view that the evil eye can work via the virtual world just like it does in the physical one. The Quran says: “Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” (Luqman 31:18) Hence, we should be wary of our actions.
- Spreading unverified news
This can sometimes become a really serious problem. It can mislead people to the extent of causing disputes in the society. Misinformation and misunderstanding can put even the best of friends at odds with each other. Spreading news without knowing the truth is equal to lying in the eyes of Allah (swt), as stated in a Hadeeth: “It is sufficient for a person to be known as a liar in Allah’s (swt) eyes, if he spreads everything that he hears.” (Muslim) The Quran also says: “When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah, tremendous.” (Noor 24:15) From this we learn that what may seem like a small act to us is everything but that in the eyes of Allah (swt).
- Stalking people
Would you walk into somebody’s home without permission, even if the door was open? Stalking people, even if their profile is public, is exactly the same. It is an even greater sin, if one is stalking a non-Mahram. Allah says in the Quran says: “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts.” (Noor 24:30-31) This direction is not just for when we physically see non-Mahrams, but also for pictures of unrelated men or women. Plus, stalking someone is much like keeping track of what the other person is doing which, of course, is none of our business. We end up being the same nosy neighbours in the virtual world whom we try to avoid in the physical one. We end up doing to others what we would not like for ourselves, when Islam repeatedly speaks of empathy and fraternity.
- Overuse of social media to the extent of addiction
Muslims are not allowed to be addicted to anything. In addiction, our lives start revolving around one particular matter – we not only turn to it whenever we get a chance, but we also start making time exclusively for it. Matters that should be our priority take a back seat.
Excessive use of social media can also lead to severe disorders – some of them reveal themselves immediately, while others develop slowly over time. Some of such disorders are: depression, low self-esteem, sleep disorders, memory loss, lethargy and obesity. The Quran says: “And don’t kill yourselves” (An-Nisa 4:29), while also saying elsewhere “and don’t throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction.” (Al-Baqarah 2:195)
These are just some of the points we must note while using the social media. There may be others, if we give it a deeper thought – the key is to think. Thinking and taking into consideration all aspects of life – whether virtual or physical – is encouraged in Islam. So think before you speak, think before you type, and think before you click!
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